Camel's Hump State Park
Iconic Vermont peak offering challenging hikes and unparalleled 360° summit views, especially stunning during fall foliage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunrise magic & fewer crowds
Camel's Hump State Park
Best Time
Sunrise magic & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Vermont peak offering challenging hikes and unparalleled 360° summit views, especially stunning during fall foliage.
"Outstanding 360 unobstructive views from the top. A great hike!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill fast! Aim to arrive before 8 AM, especially on weekends. Overflow parking is available.
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Helpful for navigating the steeper, rocky sections, especially near the summit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Camel's Hump Summit
Summit
Unobstructed 360° views of Vermont and beyond. A truly iconic Vermont experience.
Fall Foliage Spectacle
Throughout the park
Vibrant autumn colors paint the landscape, making it a prime spot for leaf-peeping.
Bomber Wing Memorial
On the trail
A poignant reminder of history, discover the remnants of a B-24 bomber.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Summit Views
Trail Conditions & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill fast! Aim to arrive before 8 AM, especially on weekends. Overflow parking is available.
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Helpful for navigating the steeper, rocky sections, especially near the summit.
🧥 Pack Layers & Warm Gear
The summit can be significantly cooler and windier than the base. Be prepared!
☀️ Check Weather Before You Go
Conditions can change rapidly. Ensure you're prepared for sun, rain, or wind.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill fast! Aim to arrive before 8 AM, especially on weekends. Overflow parking is available.
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Helpful for navigating the steeper, rocky sections, especially near the summit.
🧥 Pack Layers & Warm Gear
The summit can be significantly cooler and windier than the base. Be prepared!
☀️ Check Weather Before You Go
Conditions can change rapidly. Ensure you're prepared for sun, rain, or wind.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with caveats)
Dogs are allowed but can find some rocky sections challenging. Keep them leashed.
🚲 Gravel Biking Paradise
Explore forestry roads and trails for an epic gravel biking adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Camel's Hump for its absolutely outstanding 360-degree summit views and the challenging, rewarding hike. The fall foliage is a major draw, creating a spectacular visual experience. However, be prepared for limited parking, potentially wet and muddy trails, and rapidly changing summit weather.
"We went via Forest city to long trail and descended via burrows trail. The trail is little wet, muddy and buggy at lower and higher élévation respectively. We went counterclockwise took the Forest city trail to long trail up to the summit of camel hump. There are excellent views along the way up. This route is more steeper than the burrows trail. Hence would recommend to go counterclockwise. The dog did well, there were some sketchy parts where it was little difficult for the dog but nothing too serious. The summit from the top have outstanding 360 unobstructive views. The parking is limited and we were lucky to find parking as we entered when some of the hikers were finishing their hikes. However, there are two parking lots which are 0.5 miles away from each other. Overall a great hike"
prabhas chaudhari
"Awesome park in the heart of the green mountains. Can't get more of Vermont than that!"
U GN
"I hiked Monroe trail to the top of Camels Hump Vermont's 3rd highest peak. It's a great trail with some amazing views at the top. If you are planning to hike here make sure you get to the parking lot early because it fills up fast."
Danny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Camel's Hump State Park is accessible via several trailheads. The most popular are the Monroe Trail (from the east) and the Burrows Trail (from the west). Both offer challenging but rewarding ascents. The park is located off Route 17 in Duxbury, Vermont.
The primary access points for hiking Camel's Hump are the Monroe Trailhead on the east side and the Burrows Trailhead on the west side. Both lead to the summit, offering different challenges and scenic routes.
Public transport options to Camel's Hump State Park are very limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride.
Many hikers recommend going counterclockwise, taking the Forest City Trail to the Long Trail up to the summit, and descending via the Burrows Trail. This route is steeper but offers excellent views.
Yes, there are typically two main parking areas that are about 0.5 miles apart. Arriving early is crucial as they fill up quickly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Camel's Hump State Park does not typically require an entrance fee or tickets for general access to the trails and summit. However, parking can be limited.
Camel's Hump State Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk for hiking and outdoor activities. Specific trail conditions may vary seasonally.
While there isn't an explicit parking fee, the parking lots are small and fill up very quickly. It's recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.
No, parking at Camel's Hump State Park is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservation options available.
For day hiking, no special permits are generally required for Camel's Hump State Park. However, always check with Vermont State Parks for any updated regulations.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Camel's Hump is considered moderately difficult to challenging, especially the final ascent to the granite summit. It involves steep sections and rocky terrain.
A round trip hike to Camel's Hump can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours, depending on the chosen trail, your fitness level, and how much time you spend at the summit.
The summit offers spectacular, unobstructed 360-degree views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains in New York, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and the surrounding Green Mountains. +1
Restroom facilities are typically available at the main trailheads, but they are basic and may not be available year-round. Plan accordingly.
Winter hiking on Camel's Hump is possible with proper gear, including snowshoes and microspikes, and significant winter hiking experience. Conditions can be treacherous.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides unparalleled panoramic views, especially at sunrise or sunset. The trails themselves also offer beautiful forest and mountain vistas.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Early morning also tends to be less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive summit views. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a polarizing filter to enhance colors.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Vermont State Parks to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Always check current regulations before flying.
Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter provides a serene, snow-covered landscape. Summer provides lush greenery, and spring brings wildflowers. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a more accessible experience, exploring the forestry roads via gravel bike might be a better option, as seen in some social media posts. This allows for a more leisurely pace and enjoyment of the scenery without the intense physical demands of the summit hike. Always prioritize safety and know your children's limits.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own picnic lunch and snacks is highly recommended, as dining options are scarce in the immediate vicinity. This not only saves money but also allows you to enjoy your meal with a view. For accommodation, consider camping in nearby areas or looking for budget-friendly lodging in towns like Stowe or Waterbury.
❄️ Winter Adventurers
Be prepared for extreme cold, high winds, and potential whiteout conditions. Always check avalanche forecasts and trail conditions before heading out. The park transforms into a stunning winter wonderland, offering a unique and challenging experience for those equipped and prepared.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conquering Camel's Hump: Trail Options
Regardless of the chosen path, expect a significant elevation gain and rocky sections, particularly as you approach the summit. The final ascent involves navigating a granite scramble, which can be tricky, especially in wet or icy conditions. Hiking poles are highly recommended to aid stability and reduce strain on your knees. The trails are well-marked but can be muddy and buggy, especially during spring and early summer.
For those seeking a unique adventure, gravel biking is also popular on the forestry roads surrounding Camel's Hump State Park. These routes offer a different perspective of the park's natural beauty, with opportunities to explore less-trafficked areas and enjoy the Vermont landscape.
The Summit Experience: Views and Weather
However, it's crucial to remember that mountain weather is unpredictable. Even on a pleasant day at the base, the summit can be significantly cooler, windier, and subject to rapidly changing conditions, including fog and clouds. Packing layers of clothing, including a waterproof and windproof outer shell, is essential. Many visitors recommend bringing extra warm clothing, even in summer, to comfortably enjoy the summit views without being chilled.
Sunrise and sunset hikes are particularly popular for photographers and those seeking a more serene experience. Witnessing the sun paint the sky over the Green Mountains is an unforgettable spectacle.
Be prepared for a pre-dawn or post-dusk hike if you choose these times, and always carry a reliable headlamp. Historical Echoes: The Bomber Wing
Discovering this memorial adds a unique dimension to the hiking experience. It's a moment for reflection amidst the natural beauty of the park. The location of the bomber wing is often noted by hikers on their descent, adding a historical layer to the physical challenge of the mountain.
While the primary focus for most visitors is the natural scenery and summit views, the Bomber Wing offers a chance to connect with the area's past. It's a reminder that these mountains have witnessed more than just the changing seasons.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit